I am often asked how I create my paintings and capture the expressions
in my characters. The answer is, I am not exactly sure how I do it, or
where the creative energy comes from. I do know that I cannot create
one everyday. It is a energy that builds, and I can actually feel a
painting coming on. It is a fun and creative process.

I am a self taught artist. My passion is
working with acrylics on wood. I love how the paint glides across the
wood, often revealing a subtle, natural grain of the surface below. I
documented stages of the painting process to show you how I do it.

I start with a 8 x 10 x 3/4 piece of
hemlock wood and sketch my subject in pencil. Then I decide upon the
colors I will use, mix my paints, and start painting the head and body.
I work on the shading the fur as I go. I often add a bit more detail at
the end of the process but most of it is put down in this stage. I then
move on to the ears, eyes, muzzle, nose and mouth. I usually paint in
the background before I put in the final touches and wrinkles.